Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Current Sophomores and Juniors
Location: Camp Kern, 5291 St. Rt. 350, Oregonia, OH 45054
Dates: Friday, April 5 at 1:00pm thru Sunday, April 7 at Noon
Cost: Rotary covers expenses
Scott Stephens
RYLA Chair, Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty
Each spring, local Rotary Clubs partner with local school districts to select one or more High School students (Award Winners) to attend a leadership development program known as RYLA, which stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
This camp is a terrific 48 hour Leadership training event for your Award Winners. The location is Camp Kern YMCA Leadership & Conference Center in Oregonia, OH.
This Camp is part of Rotary’s New Generations initiative to engage Rotarians in the lives of developing youth. The Leadership Camp will feature several outdoor challenges, critical thinking exercises, and motivational speakers. Students will need to come prepared for physical activity and be dressed appropriately (Oct weather can be challenging). They are also required to attend the ENTIRE camp. Please note: 100% of the cost of the camp is covered by your sponsoring Rotary Club. It is a special honor and opportunity for students who receive this RYLA award.
We have 52 Rotary Clubs within our District 6670 in southwest Ohio, so this program pulls a cross section of students from many school districts. Last year, 97 students were represented.
The RYLA Award – What is this?
- RYLA was started in Australia in the early 1960s. It was adopted as an official Rotary Program worldwide in 1971.
- The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards entitles the recipient(s) to take part in the annual RYLA camp as the guest of their local Rotary Club.
- RYLA is a 48 hour intensive youth leadership training experience headed up by highly trained, experienced leaders representing a wide range of vocations.
- Each delegate (Award Winner) is advised to visit your club meeting to meet your Rotarians and gain a better sense of Rotary in your community prior to the Conference
- As soon as possible after the conference, the Award Winners should be invited to attend a Rotary Meeting to talk about their experience.
The Aim and Purpose of RYLA
- To recognize, encourage and educate youth leaders
- To demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth
- To encourage, assist and train leaders in responsible and effective youth leadership
- To encourage continued and stronger leadership of youth-by-youth
- To publicly recognize the high quality of youth who are rendering service to their communities as young leaders
The Plan:
- Students complete an application & email to [email protected].
- Select students will be asked to interview with the committee
- Health form & waiver must be completed after selection.